The De Marchi Contour PRO Jersey proved to be the pick of the three garments called in from the Italian manufacturer for our Giro-inspired May test schedule.
Its extremely low weight (it tipped our scales at 127 grams) and excellent fit translated into high performance on the bike, one that allowed us simply to get on with the business of riding.
A close inspection of the fabric (De Marchi’s DRY3 Micro Fabric) revealed thousands of minute perforations and these played a key role in the impressive ability of the Contour PRO jersey to keep us cool and comfortable.
We tested it in temperatures from just into double digits to the mid teens, paired variously with the C+ Undershirt and Castelli’s NanoFlex arm warmers.
The cut proved close and might be described in the jargon as a ‘pro fit’. There proved to be little spare material, which suited us just fine. We mention it as this may not be the case for everyone.
The low, soft collar was pleasingly unobtrusive, a state of affairs that continued at the sleeve, finished with nothing more than a fold of the material and a flat-lock seam. With a fit this close, gripper bands are unnecessary and their absence provided additional comfort and freedom of movement. Excellent.
The high-quality, full-length zip, one whose clasp flattened against the runners with a definite ‘snap’, provided an effective seal, and, with the lightly-elasticated hem, kept the jersey securely in place.
At the rear, the three pockets, widest in the centre, easily fulfilled their task of providing safe stowage for the usual range of cycling accouterments (spare tubes, mini pump, mini tool phone, etc). We’re unable to comment on the effectiveness of the short loop of reflective material protruding from the centre pocket, but safety features are always to be welcomed and it didn’t hinder us from loading or unloading.
Finally, the profoundly Italian styling is deserving of special mention. The Contour PRO jersey is a striking jersey in any of its three colour options (an azure blue and light green are also available), but our crimson-bodied test garment is the pick of the bunch in our humble opinion.
The De Marchi Contour PRO jersey is available in seven sizes from XS to XXL and costs £54.99.
Website: De Marchi
Distributor: Chain Reaction Cycles
